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January is National Bath Safety Month

Posted on 01/06/2014

Happy National Bath Safety Month! As drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, bath safety is a critical issue that isn’t discussed nearly enough. Do your part to prevent accidents by acting on these tips and sharing them with friends and family:

Always stay with your child during their bath.
Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, so be sure to remain within reach of the child. Texting, gaming, or browsing the web can be major distractions, so put your smartphone down for the duration of the bath.

Make sure the water temperature is correct.
If possible, set your home’s water heater to deliver water no warmer than 120 degrees. If that isn’t a possibility, look into purchasing an anti-scalding device for your faucet. Also, always wait until the tub has been filled to test the water, as the water temperature can change rapidly while the faucet is running.

Install safety features in your bathroom.
Towel racks are not designed to hold much weight, yet they are often used as supports for getting in and out of the tub. Eliminate this risk by installing bath grab bars in and near your tub or shower. Purchasing slip resistant mats is another easy way to increase safety in your bathroom.

Be aware of sharp edges.
Corners of the tub, faucet, or even bath toys are incredibly dangerous if your child were to fall. Invest in rubber covers and put thick towels over anything that could cause an injury.

Adults, particularly seniors, also need to use caution when showering or bathing. One in three people over the age of 60 have difficulty getting in and out of their shower or bathtub. Once again, installing grab bars and nonslip mats is incredibly important. If you or a loved one is still struggling to climb in and out of the tub, look into purchasing a transfer bench that allows you to easily slide over high sides. By making a few minor changes in your bathroom and your habits, you can greatly lower the risk of bath-related accidents.